Terminology

Export/ Import: The power injected to the grid (feed-in) or acquired from the grid (purchased).

Export/ Import meter: A meter that measures the energy/power at the grid connection point.

Consumption: The power consumed by the site.

Consumption Meter: A meter that measures the energy/power at the consumption point of the load.

Self-consumption: The power produced by the PV system and consumed onsite.

Production: The PV power produced by the PV system.

Production meter: A meter that measures the energy/power at the output point of the inverter.

SolarEdge meters come installed in the inverter, or can be installed externally in a NEMA rated enclosure.

SolarEdge meters support residential, commercial, and utility-sized installations.

It enables measuring the power and energy of the PV system. The meter provides the inverter with high accuracy energy readings, which are used for production measurements, consumption monitoring, export limitation, and smart energy on-grid applications.

The meter supports both, single phase and three phase grids.

CT stands for Current Transformer. CTs are devices that help measure the AC current flowing through the power lines. One CT is installed per phase.

SolarEdge offers a variety of meter and current transformer (CT) models: 100A or 250A current transformers*

The inverter serves as the brain of the SolarEdge system, performing the following key functions:

• Converting direct current (DC) into alternating current (AC)

• Monitoring energy production

• Managing photovoltaic (PV) output comprehensively, including energy storage, grid interaction, and smart energy consumption

All SolarEdge inverters are DC-optimized, enabling them to collect module-level data and transmit it to the Monitoring Platform. This allows for highly detailed performance analysis, ranging from individual module performance to the overall system overview.

The inverter's rated power varies based on its model and geographic location.

Mounting Surface

The ideal choice is a solid, flat surface capable of safely supporting the inverter's weight.

The process of mounting the inverter is simple:

1. Attach the bracket. (Use a level tool to ensure the bracket is level)

2. Hang the inverter onto the bracket.

3. Secure the inverter to the bracket using the provided screws.

Note: Before hanging the inverter on the bracket, locate the two indentations on the back of the inverter's enclosure. These align with the triangular mounting tabs at the top of the bracket.

To align them easily, lift the inverter by its sides, position it above the bracket, tilt it slightly toward the wall, and slide it down until it rests evenly on the bracket.

Sun Exposure

Whenever possible, minimize the inverter's exposure to direct sunlight. For outdoor installations, it is recommended to place the inverter in a shaded area to help maintain its operating temperature range of -40°F to +140°F.

Wiring

Identifying Inverter Interface Components

The inverter wiring process involves three primary stages:

1. DC side wiring

2. AC side wiring

3. Communication wiring

Beyond this, the specifics vary between inverter models. To locate the appropriate cable inputs for your model, examine the bottom of the inverter and identify the relevant interface components.

Each cable input is clearly labeled with text indicating its specific purpose.

Avoid Reverse Polarity in DC Strings

Using extension cables in DC strings introduces the risk of reverse polarity, which can cause permanent damage to the PV system.

To prevent this, always verify the polarity and voltage of the string before connecting it to the inverter.

To check, connect the positive and negative terminals of a voltmeter to the corresponding positive and negative poles of the string.

NOTE: Never open the inverter cover right after you turned OFF the inverter! Wait 5 minutes for the internal capacitors to discharge. Otherwise, there is a risk of electric shock.  

Comissioning 

Get the Green Light for Commissioning

SolarEdge inverters can be configured using the SetApp mobile application, allowing you to commission the inverter directly from your smartphone.

Once the inverter is powered on, you should see a green blinking light on the LED tube. This indicates that the AC is connected, but the PV system is not yet producing power—this is the point to begin the commissioning process.

If the green blinking light does not appear, it's likely that the AC breaker is off. Turn it on and then proceed with commissioning.

Lesson: Activating, Upgrading, and Commissioning a SolarEdge Inverter Using SetApp

Objective

By the end of this lesson, participants will:

1. Learn how to download, set up, and log into the SolarEdge SetApp.

2. Understand the step-by-step process to activate, upgrade firmware, and commission a SolarEdge Inverter.

3. Be able to pair Power Optimizers and verify the system's readiness to produce power.

Lesson Outline

1. Introduction to SetApp

• What is SetApp?
  
  

  • A mobile application used by qualified SolarEdge installers to configure and commission SolarEdge inverters.

  • Available for download on the Google Play Store and App Store.

• Logging into SetApp:
  
  

  • Open the app after downloading.

  • If you don't have a SolarEdge account:

    • For Android: Tap Sign up here.

    • For iOS: Tap Forgot your password, then Return to the login page, and Click here.

  • Once an account is created, log in with your credentials.

2. Preparing for Commissioning

• Key Requirements:
  
  

  • Ensure your smartphone is connected to the internet to check for and download the latest firmware.

  • Grant the app permissions to access your location and camera, which are essential for the commissioning process.

• Scanning the Inverter QR Code:
  
  

  • Locate the QR code sticker on the side of the inverter.

  • Use the SetApp to scan the code.

3. Activating and Upgrading Firmware

• Steps to Connect the Inverter to SetApp:
  
  

  • Move the ON/OFF/P switch to the "P" position and release within 2 seconds.

  • The inverter will establish a WiFi connection with your smartphone.

  • For iOS devices, approve the connection by tapping Join.

• Firmware Upgrade Process:
  
  

  • Once connected, tap Continue to start the firmware upgrade.

  • The firmware file will upload and install on the inverter, which may take a few minutes.

4. Commissioning the Inverter

• Activation:
  
  

  • After firmware installation, the inverter will proceed to activation.

  • A confirmation screen will appear once activation is complete.

• Configuring Country, Language, and Grid:
  
  

  • Tap Country and Language from the commissioning menu.

  • Set the appropriate country and grid settings.

• Setting Up Communication:
  
  

  • From the main menu, select Monitoring Communication.

  • The inverter will automatically select the best available communication method (e.g., Ethernet, WiFi, or cellular).

  • To manually change the connection type, tap Change Connection Type.

5. Pairing Power Optimizers

• Steps to Pair:
  
  

  • Ensure solar modules are exposed to sunlight.

  • From the main menu, select Pairing and tap Start Pairing.

  • Wait for the pairing process to complete.

• Important Note:
  
  

  • Power Optimizers must be paired before they can begin producing power.

6. Verifying System Readiness

• Grid Monitoring:
  
  

  • Before producing power, the inverter will verify that its output matches grid parameters.

• Checking Status:
  
  

  • From the Status screen, confirm the following:

    • The power output is increasing in the power box.

    • The number of Power Optimizers matches the installed and connected units.

    • Successful server communication (indicated by OK in the server communication box).

• Final Steps:
  
  

  • Scroll down to verify the configuration of additional components if applicable.

Upon successful commissioning, you should see:

• Solid green: a system produces power  

• Solid blue: a system communicates with the Monitoring Platform

• No red: there are no faults in the system

For more LED interpretations, visit https://solaredge.com/leds

LEDs